ACUPUNCTURE & HERBAL CLINIC
HEALING SOUL
"Dear friend,
I pray that you may prosper in all things
and be in health, just as your soul prospers."
BREATHING
Breathing is one of the most crucial activities for generating and circulating energy (qi) in the body. In traditional medicine, breathing goes beyond merely supplying oxygen—it plays a fundamental role in creating and moving qi throughout the organs and meridians, which is essential for maintaining health.
The Importance of Breathing
Breathing balances yin and yang. Exhaling is associated with yang, while inhaling relates to yin. When we exhale, we release unnecessary energy (such as heat or carbon dioxide), and when we inhale, we bring in fresh oxygen and vitality. If this process is not functioning smoothly, tension and discomfort can build up in the body, leading to various health problems.
Particularly when we’re angry or stressed, our heart rate increases, and the body’s tension levels spike as the sympathetic nervous system becomes activated. At times like these, it’s important to breathe deeply and slowly. Simply taking deep breaths and exhaling slowly can greatly reduce tension and help calm your emotions.
Proper Breathing Techniques
1. Deep Breathing: Start by lightly inhaling and then exhaling deeply. Inhale for three seconds, then exhale for six seconds. Repeating this process six times can significantly reduce tension in the body.
2. Diaphragmatic Breathing (Abdominal Breathing): The focus is on breathing deeply using the diaphragm. The primary goal is to move the air deeply into the lungs, expanding the lower abdomen as you inhale. Inhale through the nose, allowing the belly to rise, and exhale through the mouth, allowing the belly to fall. This promotes deep relaxation and reduces stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This method is typically used for calming the body and mind, improving lung function, and promoting relaxation.
3. Hypogastric Breathing (Danjeon Breathing): The focus is on gathering and circulating energy (qi or chi) in the Danjeon, a point about 2-3 inches below the navel. Similar to diaphragmatic breathing, but with a stronger emphasis on controlling and directing the breath towards the Danjeon area. Practitioners visualize energy being stored in this area as they breathe. This breathing technique is not just for relaxation but for cultivating internal energy, balancing the body’s qi, and improving vitality. It is often used in martial arts, meditation, and traditional Eastern practices.
4. Maintaining a Rhythm: Keeping a steady rhythm in your breathing is essential. Calm and steady breathing helps maintain the body’s balance and circulation. Deep, slow breaths are beneficial, while shallow and fast breathing can lead to tension, so it’s best to avoid it.
Beginner in Diaphragmatic (Abdominal) Breathing:
When you first begin diaphragmatic breathing, it's recommended to practice while lying down.
1. Lie on your back with your knees bent at about a 90-degree angle.
2. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and rest your hands beside your hips.
3. Inhale deeply through your nose for 3 seconds, letting your belly expand fully.
4. Hold your breath for 3 seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds, drawing your belly button towards your spine.
5. Repeat steps 1-3 ten times for five sets.
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Abdominal Breathing- Inhale
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Abdominal Breathing- Exhale
Breathing and Qi Circulation
In traditional Korean medicine, breathing is referred to as “Cheong-qi”, which signifies the “clear qi.” It is considered a fundamental source of vital energy, or “qi,” in the body. Qi helps circulate blood, makes the heart beat, and ensures the proper functioning of all organs and tissues. Additionally, qi is closely linked to emotions, meaning that we can regulate the flow of qi through breathing when faced with stress or emotional changes.
In essence, breathing generates and circulates qi, which keeps the body healthy and prevents diseases. By practicing proper breathing techniques, you can maintain balance in the body, ensuring that your qi flows smoothly and that both your body and mind remain in good health.
Therefore, regularly practicing deep and abdominal breathing to regulate your qi is essential for maintaining overall well-being.
Understanding Abdominal & Danjeon Breathing
Here’s a visual guide to help you easily understand the difference between abdominal breathing and danjeon breathing. Review the details below and practice the proper breathing technique.
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Abdominal Breathing- Inhale
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Danjeon Breathing- Inhale
ACUPRESSURE POINT
Acupressure points play a crucial role in preventing and alleviating various health problems. Acupressure involves stimulating specific areas called acupoints by using fingers or tools. This helps regulate the flow of Qi (energy) in the body and supports the function of organs and muscles. As a result, acupressure can help reduce stress, relieve pain, boost the immune system, and improve circulation.
One of the key advantages of acupressure is that it is easy to perform and has minimal side effects. By simply applying pressure, you can enhance the body’s natural healing ability. It is a recommended self-care method that can be practiced before visiting a doctor or alongside medical treatment.
Acupressure method
The technique involves using the pads of your fingers rather than the fingertips to press the acupoints. Gradually apply pressure for about 3 seconds and then release slowly. The intensity of the pressure should range from 2 kg for light pressure to 7 kg for stronger pressure. Be careful not to apply too much force to avoid damaging muscles or tendons. Instead, press gently or massage in circular motions. Repeating this process 5 to 10 times per acupoint is appropriate.
With consistent practice, acupressure can help you maintain better health and improve your overall well-being.
STRETCHING
Stretching increases muscle flexibility, facilitating smooth movements in daily life and significantly helping to prevent injuries by reducing tension in muscles and ligaments. It also promotes blood circulation, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, while relieving tension and providing psychological stability, thus reducing stress. Performing stretching before and after exercise can enhance athletic performance and contribute to faster recovery times.
Precautions When Stretching
1. Warm up your body with light exercise before stretching.
2. Stretch only within a comfortable range, avoiding any discomfort or pain.
3. Avoid focusing only on specific areas; ensure to stretch the entire body evenly.
4. Maintain steady breathing during stretching and be careful not to overdo it.
5. Stretch regularly to achieve long-term benefits.
6. When experiencing pain in a specific area, be cautious not to overuse that area.
It is recommended to hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds and perform 3 sets. All stretches should be practiced consistently at least once a day or whenever needed to improve flexibility and help prevent and alleviate pain. Listen to your body’s signals and find stretching methods that suit you to maintain a healthy body through simple daily stretching!
AURICULAR POINT
In the ear, numerous acupoints are linked to organs and systems throughout the body. Auricular acupuncture stimulates these points, enhancing the body’s natural healing abilities and balancing energy pathways (meridians) to alleviate various symptoms. It is particularly known for its effectiveness in addressing pain, stress, digestive issues, insomnia, and smoking cessation.
Auricular acupuncture methods are diverse, including needles, electro-acupuncture, T-shaped needles, seed stickers, magnetic stickers, and even slight bloodletting. For general users, seed stickers are the safest method.
How to Apply Seed Stickers Correctly
1. Press both ears with a probe or cotton swab to locate the most tender side.
2. Clean the ear thoroughly with alcohol, then identify the correct acupoint.
3. Apply the seed sticker precisely on the acupoint.
4. Limit the number of stickers to 3–5 to avoid excessive stimulation, which could lead to fatigue.
5. Stickers can remain for 1–3 days, and patients can gently stimulate the area if desired.
Precautions
1. Avoid use if there is inflammation or an open wound on the ear.
2. Refrain from using during early pregnancy.
3. For those with skin allergies, apply the stickers for only 20–30 minutes before removal.
4. If you experience dizziness, nausea, or chest tightness, remove the sticker immediately.
5. Remove stickers if pain or inflammation persists post-treatment.
6. If bruising or redness occurs after application, remove the sticker; recovery should follow with time.
7. Avoid getting stickers wet during showers or face washing. If adhesive strength diminishes, remove the sticker.
8. Stickers are for single-use only; do not reuse.
Auricular acupuncture is generally safe, but accurate knowledge and technique are essential for effective use. This guide is intended as an educational resource for Healing Soul Clinic patients; for precise point location and application methods tailored to individual needs, please consult your acupuncturist before use.
HERBAL TEAS
TO WARM BODY & MIND
Ginger Jujube Tea
• Benefits: Cold prevention, immunity boost, body warming
*Ginger: Promotes blood circulation, strengthens immunity
*Jujube: aids recovery from fatigue, boosts energy
• Preparation:
1. Add ginger and dried jujube to water in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio.
(Example: 30g ginger, 30-60g jujube, 2L water)
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half.
3. Add honey or pine nuts to taste and enjoy warm.
(*Adjust the amount of ingredients, water, and boiling time according to your preference.)
• Precaution: For those with sensitive stomachs, it’s best to consume in small amounts.
*All herbal teas may require different consumption methods and precautions depending on an individual’s constitution and health condition. For those trying herbal tea for the first time, we recommend consulting with an herbalist before consumption.
Herbal teas, made with medicinal herbs, are traditional remedies that help boost immunity, prevent colds, and support recovery from fatigue. Particularly beneficial in winter, these teas can help keep you warm and maintain your health. Below are some recommended herbal teas to enhance immunity and prevent colds during the winter season. Each tea offers unique benefits depending on the ingredients, so we recommend choosing and consuming them according to your body type and needs. Additionally, please refer to the benefits and precautions of ginger.
Benefits of Ginger
1. Respiratory Health: Prevents colds and viral infections, protects bronchial tubes
(Gingerol and shogaol compounds are known for their antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.)
2. Temperature Regulation: Increases body temperature to strengthen immunity
3. Digestive Health: Eases stomach chills, indigestion, and bloating
4. Diabetes Prevention: Helps regulate blood sugar and improves insulin resistance
5. Pain Relief: Reduces joint and muscle pain
6. Cholesterol Regulation: Lowers harmful cholesterol levels
7. Improves Blood Circulation: Helps prevent chronic coldness
8. Anti-Cancer Properties: Inhibits tumor growth and has anti-inflammatory effects
9. Dementia Prevention: Enhances brain circulation and memory function
Benefits of JuJube
1. Boosts Immunity: Rich in vitamin C, it strengthens the immune system.
2. Relieves Fatigue: Provides energy and helps recover from fatigue.
3. Aids Digestion: Stimulates digestion and alleviates constipation.
4. Improves Sleep: Calms the body and promotes better sleep.
5. Enhances Circulation: Improves blood flow and supports heart health.
6. Fights Aging: Antioxidants help prevent aging and maintain skin health.
7. Protects Liver: Supports liver function and detoxification.
8. Regulates Blood Sugar: Helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
9. Reduces Stress: Alleviates stress and promotes calmness.
10. Boosts Vitality: Replenishes energy and restores strength.
*Consumption Tips and Precautions
1. If you have a warm constitution, use ginger with the skin;
if cold, remove the skin or use dried ginger.
2. Those with excess stomach acid or inflammatory conditions should consume in small amounts.
3. Always consume ginger warm after boiling.
4. When taken over the long term, combine with licorice to prevent energy dissipation.
5. If experiencing stomach irritation, rinse the ginger in water before use.
6. Slice ginger thinly and use after washing thoroughly;
for jujube and Cinnamon sticks, clean the dust off with a small brush.
7. Use dried jujubes, as drying enhances polyphenol content and increases antioxidant effects.
There are various herbal teas can provide numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. All herbal teas may require different consumption methods and precautions depending on an individual’s constitution and health condition. For those trying herbal tea for the first time, we recommend consulting with an herbalist before consumption.